Tips On Living Green

Frequently Asked Questions | Tips on Working Green in the Office

Since we are all stewards of our environment, we must all partner to meet the challenges of global warming. A great way to get started is to determine your carbon footprint, and where you are consuming the most energy.

Do you know your carbon footprint?

Here are a few energy saving tips:

1. Switch to compact florescent light bulbs. CFLs last up to 10 times longer and use 75% less energy than the incandescent bulbs most people have in their homes. Sure they cost more, but they save you money in the long run.
2. Take the climate challenge. Get together with a team of 5 or more households and sign up with your utility company to compare energy use during a certain period.
3. Take public transportation. Drive your car 10 miles less each week for a year and save the environment from several hundred pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.
4. Unplug appliances. Nearly 10% of the average electricity bill is due to idle appliances and electronics left plugged in. Unplug dvds, tvs, microwaves, copiers, mobile phone chargers, etc.
5. Vote Green. Tell political leaders to support environmentally-friendly legislation.
6. Replace old appliances. Old washers, dryers, refrigerators consume a lot more energy than newer appliances, especially those with Energy Star ratings.
7. Use less water. Low-flow showerheads, and cold-wash laundry cycles can reduce the amount of household energy used by 14%-25%. The same goes for turning down your hot water heater to 120 degrees. Save up to 100 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by running your dishwasher only when there is a full load.
8. Drink from the tap. By not buying plastic water bottles, you save energy used to produce and dispose of bottles. If you buy them, reuse and recycle them.
9. Adjust your thermostat. A minor change of your thermostat setting to +2 in summer and -2 in winter can save you hundreds of dollars in electricity bills and our planet hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year.
10. Check your tire pressure. Cars are most fuel-efficient when tires are properly inflated. Take heavy items out of your trunk to get better mileage. Think about upgrading to an energy efficient, biodiesel orhybrid.
11. Take vacations near home. Airplanes produce high amounts of emissions
12. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Donate old clothes and toys.
13. Eat local and organic.